England’s bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali announced his retirement from Test cricket, the game’s longest format, on Monday. His 64-match Test career comes to an end with this news. Moeen Ali made his Test debut in 2014 and has since scored 2914 runs with a strike rate of 28.29. In addition, he had 195 wickets at a strike rate of 36.66.
“I’m 34 now and I want to play for as long as I can and just enjoy my cricket,” Ali explained.
“When you’re having a fantastic day, test cricket is by far better than any other format; it’s more gratifying, and you feel like you’ve truly earned it.”
“I’ll miss simply stepping out there with the boys, playing against the greatest in the world with that nervous feeling, but also knowing that with my best ball, I could get anyone out.”
“I’ve liked Test Cricket, but the intensity can be too much at times, and I feel like I’ve done enough of it, and I’m glad and satisfied with how I’ve done.”
Only James Anderson and Stuart Broad grabbed more Test wickets for England during Ali’s tenure. During that time, the off-spinner was the 12th highest wicket-taker in the world.
He was at his best as a spinner between 2017 and 2019. In 2017, he took 26 wickets at 15.64 against South Africa, including a memorable hat-trick at the Oval. The next summer, he grabbed 32 wickets in six Tests against the West Indies and Sri Lanka.
Moeen Ali, who batted from No.1 to No.9, received his first national call-up in 2016 when he scored 1,078 runs at a strike rate of 46.86.
That year, he scored four of his five career hundreds and rose to third in the ICC Men’s Test rankings for the all-rounder.
The all-rounder expressed gratitude to his coaches and family for their help during the trip.
“I’d want to thank my instructors, Peter Moores and Chris Silverwood, as well as Peter for giving me my debut. Cookie and Rooty are the captains I’ve liked playing for, and I hope they’re pleased with how I performed.
“My parents are my number one supporters; I don’t think I would have made it without their help; every game I played was for them, and I know they are incredibly proud of me.
“My brothers and sister, on my bad days, they’ve been the first to lift me, and my wife and kids, I’m extremely grateful for my wife’s sacrifices and tolerance.”
“They have all been incredible during my trip; all I did was for them.”